Coffee in World War I: Fueling Soldiers on the Frontlines
While there were no coffee shops on every corner in Europe during WWI, American soldiers and sailors could still get that hot cup of coffee. Rationed at 27 pounds of…
The Boxer Rebellion: Martial Arts and Guns Clash in Historical Conflict
In the late 19th century, China experienced a tumultuous period marked by internal strife, foreign influence, and social unrest. It was during this time that the Boxer Rebellion, a significant…
Fueling the Roman Armies: What did the Legions Eat?
The Roman legions had an organized system for supplying food, and they carried rations known as “cibaria” with them during campaigns. These rations consisted of various food items, including salted…
Shorts in the Rhodesian Army
Shorts played a practical role in meeting the demands of the African environment. Rhodesia, now known as Zimbabwe, was a former British colony located in Southern Africa. Author Neil Grant,…
From Workwear to Warrior Gear: The History of Tactical Blue Jeans
When it comes to tactical apparel, blue jeans might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, the evolution of workwear and the demands of modern tactical operations…
The Legendary Tiger Stripe Camouflage: A History of Iconic Camo Pattern
In the realm of military camouflage, few patterns are as iconic and instantly recognizable as Tiger Stripe. Born out of the need for effective jungle camouflage during the Vietnam War,…
Unmasking the Infamous Samurai of Japanese History
The samurai, renowned for their code of honor and unwavering loyalty, have captivated imaginations for centuries. However, beneath the romanticized image of noble warriors, there are instances in samurai history…
Lucky Strike Cigarettes: A Part of C-Rations in WWII
During World War II, Lucky Strikes cigarettes became an iconic symbol of smoking culture, particularly among soldiers and civilians alike. The brand of Lucky Strikes can be traced back to…
History and Craftsmanship of Blue Jeans Pants
The story of blue jeans dates back to the mid-19th century, when a visionary tailor named Jacob Davis teamed up with entrepreneur Levi Strauss to create a rugged and durable…
The Creation of Illumination Glow Sticks
The concept of glow sticks traces back to the early 1960s, when an inventive chemical engineer named Edwin A. Chandross was exploring novel applications for chemical reactions. Chandross was working…